Dishin’ It at Zamora’s

By Gaby Jones & Trisha Watts

Wednesday

May 9, 2018 at 9:11 AMMay 9, 2018 at 9:16 AM

Hello, World! It’s been a hot minute since you last had your dose of Disin’ It! We’re back after that quick week’s break and saucier than ever. While everyone out there was recouping from the lifelong trauma that Avengers: Infinity War caused, we were drowning our sorrows for our beloved superheroes with some Grade-A, OG breakfast goodies from none other than Zamora’s Restaurant.

Now you might be thinking to yourself, “But Gaby and Trisha, you don’t write about chains in your column?” And in that you are absolutely (ehh...partially) correct. We do like to “feast” on the treasures that our lovely Valley produced over the years, and if that means that we have to widen our belts just a bit more for a successful small business who now has multiple locations, then by all means, we will!

Zamora’s has been serving hot breakfast plates since 1975. Within the last year, the original Zamora’s on North 23rd Street expanded to a second location on the corner of McColl and Dove, and without any knowledge or a big bang announcement, a third location (in the middle of nowhere practically) opened its doors about 3 to 4 months ago.

Zamora’s “number three” is precisely where we ended up, on a quaint, late Sunday morning. It is safe to state that the distance did not damper the people’s love for Zamora’s. While others might fret the longevity of the trip, we were happy (and hungry) to make the trek.

Trisha: Well, some more than others. Gaby was a bit disturbed by the distance and unfamiliarity of the road.

Gaby: I was not “disturbed”, per say. I was just really happy that you didn’t take me out there in the middle of the night, leave me out in the middle of a field and take off.

Trisha: We can always visit again for dinner. (wink)

Gaby: Okay! There might be some exaggeration on “someone’s” (maybe mine lol) part in regards to the distance, but once you sit down and a basket of warm chips and freshly made Pico de Gallo is placed in front of your face, you suddenly love where you are!

When we finally arrived at Zamora’s, we jumped out of the car with “excitement” (more like raging hunger), cheerfully walked (okay, okay, more like ravishly ran) to the entrance and swung open the doors. To our amazement, Zamora’s was hopping. We were lucky enough to find one small table, but as soon as we sat down, another two families walked in the door.

First order of business (beside devouring our chips and salsa), appetizers! We wasted no time in ordering the Azteca Appetizer with black beans and chorizo, topped with queso fresco, avocado and grilled jalapeño slices, and what do you know, more chips and salsa! Did this satisfy our hunger? Not for the foreseeable future. No worries. Zamora’s had us covered. Their wide range of items might make you question it for a split minute, but these guys know what they are doing. From traditional Mexican plates, to botanas, to pancakes, to hamburgers, to even a menu for the “young at heart” (+55), Zamora’s has your back.

We put this menu through the ringer. Not only did we order a Migas, Egg & Chorizo Plate, we took a stab at their Barbacoa Plate, plus, their Po’Boy. We opted for the grilled fish instead of fried; because you know, we’re trying to be like super healthy! (cue hair flip and head tilt as if we were in Clueless).

Every dish came out piping hot and full of flavor. The Mexican breakfast plates were both served with freshly made maiz and flour tortillas, along with another bowl of that delicious Pico de Gallo. Oh, wait, who can forget the ice cold SWEET tea, a Coca Mexicana, and a Joya de Manzana on the side? Needless to say, we lost the battle, but it was a good and mouth-watering fight that we can live with.

SIDE NOTE: If you’re like us and need to partake in some physical activity after your bountiful meal, so as to prevent a blocked artery and all, get in your car and drive West to Montecristo until you hit Ware Road. Just behind the new Tres Lagos development, you’ll come across the most beautiful Sunflower field. Stop the car and fully take in the sight with a hearty dose of some fresh air. Of course, don’t forget your selfie! LoL

Zamora’s is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. We visited Zamora’s third and newest location at 4504 W Monte Christo Rd, Edinburg, TX 78541. Other locations can be found in McAllen on N. 23rd Street and on the Southeast intersection of Dove and McColl. For more information, call (956) 631-5877. Remember, these guys are old school, you won’t find an official Zamora’s social media presence, but over 7,600 folks have checked in via Facebook.

Gaby Jones and Trisha Watts work hand-in-hand with the service industry. Jones is in charge of craft and imported beer for L&F Distributors and Watts is the communications director for Visit McAllen. Each week they will have a new adventure and provide an opinion on various locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.